According to the report, Nispel was already sold on Momoa for the film's lead but the folks at Millennium Films, Lionsgate and rights holder Paradox Entertainment weren't as convinced. After shooting test footage with Momoa, however, Nispel was able to sway the film's backers, leading to the latest casting.

"Conan" isn't Momoa's only upcoming fantasy role. Aside from his science fiction work on "Stargate," the actor is slated to appear in HBO's upcoming series "Game of Thrones," based on the fantasy series written by George R. R. Martin.